Immigrants, Communication, and Economic Sustainability: Lessons from Trump's Re-Election in the Korean Context. Jeongmin Yoon, Economist.
Against this backdrop, I had the opportunity to attend the seminar "Communication as a Basic Human Right for Migrants," organized by the Center for Transnational Migration and Social Inclusion (CTMS) at Seoul National University. With Trump's re-election placing immigrant rights at the forefront of global discussions, this seminar served as a timely platform to explore insights that both Korea and the international community can learn from—particularly the critical role communication plays in securing migrants' basic rights.
As of 2025, economic projections indicate that a significant decline in net immigration to the U.S. could reduce GDP growth by 0.2 percentage points, translating to an estimated $13 billion loss. Conversely, a more expansive immigration policy might boost GDP by as much as 0.5 percentage points. Moreover, labor shortages in key sectors—such as agriculture, construction, and domestic services—continue to drive up costs and exacerbate inflationary pressures.
Despite these clear economic benefits, both the U.S. and South Korea have maintained relatively hostile attitudes toward immigration, often emphasizing national identity and cultural homogeneity. In South Korea, immigrants are frequently perceived as "outsiders," with fears of cultural clashes contributing to societal resistance. However, South Korea faces an urgent demographic crisis characterized by a plummeting birthrate and a rapidly aging population. These challenges are intensifying labor shortages, underscoring the growing necessity of embracing immigration as part of a sustainable economic strategy.
Immigrants are essential drivers of economic growth. Studies show that immigrants are disproportionately active in entrepreneurship, with nearly half of Fortune 500 companies founded by recent immigrants or their first or second generation descendants. Immigrant contributions in fields like STEM have fueled innovation and technological advancements in the U.S., while their presence in flexible labor markets has enabled economies to better adapt to shifting demands.
Ensuring immigrants' fundamental rights, including the right to communication, is not merely a humanitarian obligation—it is an economic imperative. When immigrants can access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities without language barriers, they are better equipped to contribute productively and creatively to society. Expanded social and policy support systems are vital to unlocking this potential.
In conclusion, South Korea stands at a critical juncture. The decision to embrace immigrants and build an inclusive society is not just a moral choice—it is an economic necessity in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. The discussion of "Communication as a Basic Human Right for Migrants" transcends social justice; it represents a blueprint for building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous society.